Comparing 2 Improper Integrals: Convergence & Criteria

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the convergence of two improper integrals: ##\int_0^1 \frac{1}{x}\sin\frac{1}{x}dx## and ##\int_0^1 |\frac{1}{x}\sin\frac{1}{x}|dx##. Participants explore comparison criteria and techniques from complex analysis to analyze these integrals, focusing on their behavior near the singularity at zero.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that ##\int_0^1 \frac{1}{x}\sin\frac{1}{x}dx## converges, while ##\int_0^1 |\frac{1}{x}\sin\frac{1}{x}|dx## does not, but they seek to establish this rigorously.
  • One participant proposes a lower bound function, ##f(x)=0.1/x## when ##|sin(1/x)| > 0.1##, suggesting it can be used to demonstrate divergence.
  • Another participant suggests that changing variables to ##y = 1/x## simplifies the analysis of the absolute value case, indicating that ##|\sin(x)/x| < c/x## for most of the integration domain.
  • There is a request for clarification on how to rigorously show that the intervals where ##f(x)=0.1/x## are larger than where ##f(x)=0## and how to verify divergence.
  • One participant mentions that checking just one cycle of ##\sin(x)## may suffice for the analysis.
  • Another participant notes that using a value like 0.1 allows for useful approximations, but suggests that smaller values could also be employed.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the convergence of the integrals, with some agreeing on the convergence of ##\int_0^1 \frac{1}{x}\sin\frac{1}{x}dx## and the divergence of ##\int_0^1 |\frac{1}{x}\sin\frac{1}{x}|dx##, while others seek further clarification and rigorous justification for these claims. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specific methods to establish these properties.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge missing pieces in their arguments, particularly regarding the rigorous establishment of bounds and divergence criteria. There is a reliance on assumptions about the behavior of the sine function and the integrability of the proposed lower bounds.

DavideGenoa
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I read that the improper Riemann integral ##\int_0^1 \frac{1}{x}\sin\frac{1}{x}dx## converges and that ##\int_0^1 |\frac{1}{x}\sin\frac{1}{x}|dx## does not.
I have tried comparison criteria for ##\int_0^1 |\frac{1}{x}\sin\frac{1}{x}|dx##, but I cannot find a function ##f## with a divergent integral such that ##0\leq f(x)\leq|\frac{1}{x}\sin\frac{1}{x}|##.
I heartily thank you for any help!

EDIT: I have managed to use complex analysis to show that ##\int_0^{\infty} \frac{1}{x}\sin xdx=\frac{\pi}{2}##, but, with a change of variable, I see that ##\int_0^1 \frac{1}{x}\sin\frac{1}{x}dx=\int_1^{\infty}\frac{1}{x}\sin x dx##. ##\frac{1}{x}\sin x## is integrable on ##[0,1]## (it can be "made continuous" in 0 where it approaches 1), therefore ##\int_0^1 \frac{1}{x}\sin\frac{1}{x}dx## converges.
 
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A lower bound for the integrand is "f(x)=0.1/x if |sin(1/x)| > 0.1, f(x)=0 otherwise". The first case always has larger intervals than the second, so you can combine those intervals to find another lower bound that diverges.
 
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Let y = 1/x, for both. You will see that the absolute value case can be easily studied. |sinx/x| < c/x for most of the domain of integration.
 
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Thank you both!
mathman said:
|sinx/x| < c/x for most of the domain of integration.
Forgive my ununderstanding: how can we use the fact to show that ##\int_{0}^{1}\frac{1}{x}|\sin(\frac{1}{x}|) dx##, which I do see to be the same as ##\int_{1}^{+\infty}\frac{1}{x}|\sin(x)| dx##, diverges?

mfb said:
A lower bound for the integrand is "f(x)=0.1/x if |sin(1/x)| > 0.1, f(x)=0 otherwise". The first case always has larger intervals than the second, so you can combine those intervals to find another lower bound that diverges.
Excuse me: how do we rigourously see that the intervals where ##f(x)=0.1/x## are larger than where ##f(x)=0##, and how do we see that it diverges? I do know that ##\frac{1}{10}\int_{0}^{1}\frac{1}{x}dx## does, but "some pieces" are lacking here and I am not having any idea to verify that...

I heartily thank you both again!
 
DavideGenoa said:
Thank you both!
Forgive my ununderstanding: how can we use the fact to show that ##\int_{0}^{1}\frac{1}{x}|\sin(\frac{1}{x}|) dx##, which I do see to be the same as ##\int_{1}^{+\infty}\frac{1}{x}|\sin(x)| dx##, diverges?

Excuse me: how do we rigourously see that the intervals where ##f(x)=0.1/x## are larger than where ##f(x)=0##, and how do we see that it diverges? I do know that ##\frac{1}{10}\int_{0}^{1}\frac{1}{x}dx## does, but "some pieces" are lacking here and I am not having any idea to verify that...

I heartily thank you both again!
All you need to check is one cycle of sinx.
 
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One half-cycle will do the job. If you want to do it in detail, it will take some steps, but it is possible. The value of 0.1 is chosen in a way to give enough room for useful approximations (but you can also use 0.01 if you want).
 
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